National First Ladies' Library
Riding the Underground Railroad
Young historians explore the underground railroad and life as a slave during the Civil War. After internet research, they discuss the hazards of travel as a slave and the benefits of freedom. Individually, young scholars write a short...
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The Shot Heard Around the World
Fifth graders examine the events leading up to the beginning of the Revolutionary War. In groups, they put the events into chronological order and create a timeline. As a class, they discuss the reprecussions of the Stamp Act,...
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Freedom of Religion
Students use this instructional activity to focus on the freedom of religion. In groups, they discuss how the separation of church and state applies to the public schools across the country. They compare and contrast the establishment...
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Freedom
Students brainstorm a list of the freedoms they have living in the United States. In groups, they compare and contrast these freedoms with those of their home country. After completeing a worksheet, they examine lyrics to songs to...
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Decisions That Changed Our Lives: A Look At the African American Quest for Freedom and Rights
Students are introduced to the goals of abolitionists throughout history. In groups, they use the internet to discover the purpose of the Underground Railroad and why there were bus boycotts in the 1960s. They compare and contrast the...
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The Incident of September 11th
Sixth graders identify and write in their journals in order to activate prior knowledge on the events that surround September 11th. Students, with a partner, read various essays, articles and personal experiences of September 11....
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Freedom Is
Students explore various ideas of freedom by comparing the profiles of seven Mainers from the early 19th century. They discuss freedom and what they think it means to be free. Students complete a Freedom Matrix to explore how seven...
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Children and Slavery Document Search
Students review the causes of slavery, the Middle Passage, triangular trade and the spread of slavery throughout colonies. They work in small groups and search documents in order to find the answers to a question and document packet.
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The Story Of American Freedom
Young scholars investigate the concept of American freedom with the use of primary sources of images in order to derive meaning. The images are used to inspire research and writing about historical scenes. The writing and analysis of the...
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Samuel's Choice - Social Studies Using Children's Literature
Fifth graders read a book about independence, freedom, and slavery. Students create a story map of the book. They research the causes of the Civil War. Students write a newspaper article from the point of view of an American colonist.
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A House Dividing: The Growing Crisis of Sectionalism in Antebellum America
Students trace the development of sectionalism in the United States. They explore slavery, freedom and the Constitution. Students identify influential opponents and defenders of American slavery. They explain different solutions to...
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Freedom
Students listen to a read aloud of Dr. Suess' Yertle the Turtle while thinking about the power struggle and oppression in the group of turtles. They note their feelings on chart paper before reviewing more books. They chose a creative...
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Poetry And Freedom
Students read and write poetry that reflects true self expression. They use the published poetry as a springboard instead of a formula to write from the heart.
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Introduction to American Literature
Students discuss the topic of freedom and what the National Anthem means to them and to our country. They create a new and original verse for the National Anthem.
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Guy Fawkes
Students read about Guy Fawkes who tried to destory the British parliament buidling in 1605. They answer questions about his biography.
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Symbols of Freedom
Students display knowledge of historical facts regarding the American Flag as they use creative writing skills.
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Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Students honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the principles he stood for: justice, equality, freedom, and peace.
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State Symbols
Third graders examine the symbolism of the United States by observing different flags. In this U.S. History lesson plan, 3rd graders utilize the Internet to research state seals, flags, and other symbols that represent specific areas of...
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Passage To Freedom
For this social studies worksheet, students look for the words that are related to the theme of the worksheet. They also work on the skills of spelling and word recognition.
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The Great Escape
Learners are introduced to human rights. They comprehend the democracy, legal and human rights and responsibilities, systems of justice, and skills in communication and working with others. Students work in teams. They make a long,...
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Individual Rights -- Freedom of Speech at School
Pupils examine their individual rights at a public school. In groups, they identify the most common ways of expressing themselves and why they should limit their speech in public. They compare and contrast two cases in which they...
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Ho Chi Minh and Freedom of Speech
Students explore freedom of speech. Individually, they complete a K-W-L chart. Students participate in a "Stand If You Can" activity where they make statements regarding the freedom of speech. Students stand if they agree with the...
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All Men Are Created Equal
Students engage in a lesson to investigate the concept of all men being equal. The concept has a historical context during the time of the American Revolution. They use primary and secondary sources in order to discover the concept of...
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Computers in the Classroom
Tenth graders identify and interpret modern poetry through exploration with guided instruction. Students use the Encarta Encylcopedia site to explore further modern poetry and locate poetry that inspires them. Students identify themes...